International law firm Norton Rose, whose national and international clients will exhibit at the Investing in African Mining Indaba next month, will attend the conference to meet its expanding client base, after having joined forces with international law firm Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.

The merger will take full effect in June, after which the firm will be known as Norton Rose Fulbright.

“This combination will see Norton Rose become even more globalised in the interest of its clients,” says Norton Rose head of infrastructure, mining and commodities Jeff Kron.

“We have been looking for the right US firm to join forces with for a long time and Fulbright & Jaworski , which Norton Rose has been dealing with for many years, is the proper cultural fit,” he says.

“We complement each other in all our fields, including being strong mining law authorities. Fulbright & Jaworski has a large presence in the US, including in Houston, Dallas, Washington and New York.

“Although focus has been on economies in the East, particularly China, the US is still the biggest economy in world – it is, therefore, important to have a significant presence there. We have also added strength in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East,” he says.

Kron notes that Fulbright & Jaworski, which has a strong focus on oil and gas, has depth in energy and mining law in Africa and, combined with Norton Rose’s Africa focus, will give the firm added strength.

“This will join up nicely with our Africa energy practice, which ties in with our mining, mining commodities and infrastructure division,” he notes.

The firm will be amongst the top ten in the world.

Kron states that the hosting of the yearly Investing in African Mining Indaba in South Africa highlights the significance of the country’s mining industry to the world.

“It shows the world that not only do we have resources, but we also have the general infrastructure and skills to support it,” he says.

Norton Rose director Charles Ancer notes that the world still looks at Africa as a case of development assistance.

“Too many people think incorrectly that Africa requires welfare. This is not the case.

“The Investing in African Mining Indaba proves to the world that South Africa has first-world capabilities for hosting such a large event. South Africa is one of the important players in the mining world and the Indaba draws attention to that,” he says.

He adds that South Africa has world-class capital markets and a banking system with access to capital, which is also highlighted at the Indaba.

“South Africa has been largely insulated from the fallout in the banking world. We have good financial infrastructure, which plays a role in mining throughout the rest of Africa.

“The Indaba is mainly finance focused, because many people attending the event want to access finance capital. From that perspective, South Africa has much to offer,” he says, adding that the firm also looks forward to reinforcing relationships with clients and international colleagues.

“We are excited to get to know Fulbright & Jaworski’s clients on a one-on-one basis.

“We see the Indaba as a platform for two-tiered networking with colleagues and clients whom we do not see often. It also exposes clients to our international practices,” he says.

Norton Rose has five offices in Africa at present, namely Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, in South Africa; Casablanca, in Morocco; and Dar es Salaam, in Tanzania, and an active engagement throughout the continent.

Norton Rose director Andre Vos notes that the company’s African representation highlights the importance of the Indaba to the firm. “It is one of the biggest mining trade shows in the world and is important for our clients and Africa,” he says.

Vos adds that Africa is experiencing high growth statistics, owing to its many resources, which include minerals, farmland and timber.

The future of the African mining industry is positive, he says.

“Africa remains a key focus area, not only for the development of mines, but also for the banks and financial institutions. Countries such as India and China are coming into Africa for its resources and, in return, they develop the continent’s infrastructure,” he notes.

Vos points out that the firm believes that the competing economies in Asia will enhance infrastructure opportunities in Africa.

“We still see foreign investors entering the African mining market even though they look carefully at pricing. We are still getting enquiries about investments in Africa, particularly South Africa and, therefore, the future is positive,” he concludes.